It is essential that volunteer fire departments are prepared to respond to hazardous materials incidents. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments responded to over 433,000 hazardous materials calls in 2021.
CHEMTREC HELP award
The number of hazmat incidents occurring annually continues to increase, based on 10-year incident summary data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which underscores the need for firefighters to be trained and ready before an incident occurs.
However, many volunteer departments cannot afford the additional equipment, resources, and training. That is why CHEMTREC® teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to offer the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Award.
$10,000 giveaway
12 departments have received a total of $115,000 to bolster their hazmat incident response capabilities
Through the HELP Award, CHEMTREC will grant $10,000 to four volunteer fire departments in 2023 to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve responder safety.
This is the fifth year of the program. To date, 12 departments have received a total of $115,000 through the CHEMTREC HELP Award to bolster their hazmat incident response capabilities and increase local readiness for hazmat events.
eligibility criteria
The 2023 application period is now open until September 1. Departments must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply:
- Be composed of more than 50% volunteers.
- Serve a population of 25,000 or less.
- Department’s annual revenue must not exceed $250,000.
- Be located in the United States and legally organized under state law. Tribal entities servicing a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that are chartered pursuant to IRA Section 17 or organized by a tribal government pursuant to a tribal code or resolution are eligible to apply.
- The chief or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC. Not a member? Learn about member benefits and join at the NVFC website.
- Explain in the application essay what they would do with the award to increase their hazmat response and preparedness capabilities.